Assurance Associate Review
at EY
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Luton, Bedfordshire
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
3.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
The typical audit engagement lasts 1-3 weeks at my level, which provides a lot of variation to the work I do, as each audit may be at a different stage. Initially, I may speak to the client and discuss one of their processes with them, and towards the end perform procedures on accounts such as VAT
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
Considering the remote working arrangements that are still in place, I have managed to get involved in extra curricular clubs to get to know a variety of people, as well as those I have worked with on audit engagements. The tuition provider is also always on hand to answer any questions relating to studies, so there are many avenues to learn and get involved which I really like.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have definitely become more efficient at time management, and communicating with the team on task allocation or asking questions. There are plenty of opportunities to progress skills through EY's learning resources, so there are always new things to learn and ways in which to adapt to the changing workplace.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The structure of the programme took a while to settle in to, as it is very organised. As a school leaver, we have more time in between exams than graduates, and have to log things such off the job learning hours which may be time spent doing research, as well as completing learning assigned by the ICAEW on ethics and EY on work-related topics.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
There is always someone to support you at EY and they communicate this very well at the start and throughout the programme, whether it be coaching, wellbeing or related to studies. The peer support network is also very helpful in sharing knowledge on where to go and how to stay on track with balancing work and study.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Learning is currently remote, however the tutors are always interested in your learning and make themselves available to answer any questions after the online classes. One thing I would like to see change is the fact that they release study materials very near to the exam, so it is difficult to get ahead if work is busy.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
As a school leaver, there is more time between exams than graduates, and so it can feel as though you have already learnt the exam content through work than study. I think the content is very relevant and helpful to the tasks allocated, however more could be done to ensure the timing is better to best enhance the learning experience through application.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
This has been made more difficult due to Covid, however there are virtual clubs to get involved with and people in the office are always open to suggestions. I am aware that there are sports clubs which are more centred around London, and looking to have team lunches now restrictions are easing.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend EY to a friend?
Yes
Why?
EY has a great network of people which are interested in your personal and professional development. Every day is another new thing learned and as you progress through the programme, you can tailor your experience to work on clients which are of the most interest to you and future plans.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to EY?
If considering the school leaver programme, try and apply to some of the summer work experience programmes to fast track your application. This also reduces the time required to go through the application process in your final year of A levels. Also to just be yourself and show a genuine interest in the future of the work we do.
